28 - 29 Weeks Pregnant! Milestones, Fetal Development, Our Updates, & More!

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Rich and I are 29 weeks pregnant with Nova Skye Rowell, as of March 19, 2016. Here’s the latest on 28 week fetal development, 29 week fetal development, Nova’s movements and health report, how I’m feeling, and more. It’s hard to believe we’re 7 months and 1 week pregnant already! Before we know it, little Nova will be fast asleep in our arms, instead of in the womb. We’re so excited we can hardly wait!

What’s Nova Doing In Week 28 and 29?

If we thought Nova was active before, she’s even more so these days. Of course, that could be due to the fact that she’s much bigger now and things are getting cramped. She pretty much moves all the time with a few breaks here and there when she’s likely being lulled to sleep by my movements. I’ve also felt more of the fluttering hiccup movements, the umbilical cord pulling (ouch), as well as those fun movements that make me jump and lose my breath for a few seconds. Those last ones are supposed to be new to 29 weeks, but I was feeling them long before now.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
28 Week Prenatal Visit (Ultrasound!) & What’s Next

We had an awesome ultrasound. Nova was having some fun in there - so much fun that the pictures didn’t really come out as well as the last ones. She was moving too much, of course. But, we also got good news. She's fully developed and doing well -- and she's still a girl (lol). If born the day of the appointment (March 16th), according the doctor, she would have a 90 percent chance of survival that improves the closer we get to her due date. Obviously, we want to keep her in there as long as possible, so we won’t be trying to make her come out, as much pain as I’m in and as much of a relief as it would be for me.

How’s the Momtrepreneur and Daddy-To-Be This Week?

Mommy’s a little moody and fatigued, but daddy-to-be’s doing a good job at keeping me cheered up. I took on a little more client work than I should have and though I got it done, it was a bit more overwhelming than that amount would be normally. I often forget that my normal does not exist right now and that I cannot expect myself to be able to finish most things that would have been a cinch before. That’s hard for me, since I’m a go-getter.

So I keep trying to do things I shouldn’t do and then getting upset when I either can’t do them or exhaust myself doing them. Don't worry, folks. I’m not running marathons. I’m mostly talking about writing. That’s why this post is a two-week compilation instead of the usual weekly post. I simply wasn’t able to write it until now, due to the fatigue and am actually struggling just to get these words out. I need to write for my sanity though. So, it’s a delicate balance.

Rich is doing his best to keep me from doing too much and I don’t envy him right now because I can be quite a challenge when I am determined. That’s putting it nicely. At least I love him though, so I’m not mean, just persistent. Haha We’ve both been pretty exhausted and I can’t stay out of the bathroom. It’s no wonder. The third trimester is where most women have to urinate around every 15 minutes, due to the baby being right on top of the bladder.

Accomplishments During Week 28 & Week 29 of the Pregnancy

We’ve gotten so much done these past two weeks that it’s crazy. It’s getting to be crunch time, so we’re finally getting down to the last of the things we need to do to prepare for little Nova. We finally set up her space with all of her cute little clothing, homemade cloth diapers, her little bassinet and changing area, her swing, and so on. All that’s missing now is her and we just can’t wait!

Aja's been doing a really great job of taking care of her "son" Gabe (the life-like newborn doll) and we think she's going to be an awesome big sister! Speaking of preparation, I decided to try my hand at homemade all-in-one cloth diapers -- and amazingly, I succeeded! It’s been years since I picked up a needle and thread and I’ve never made a cloth diaper, but apparently I’m an old pro. Because my diapers turned out so well and we have tons of fabrics and materials lying around, we’ve decided I’m making all of the cloth diapers Nova will need. This saves us a ton of money.

New Grandma Rowell got her some more important things, such as her Evenflo ExerSaucer and we also won even more on Listia, of course. I can’t even begin to list all of the things we acquired this week, so they’ll just be depicted in the photo gallery below. Also in the gallery is a photo of Gabe eating with us when we got out one day, as Aja has to take him everywhere, like a real baby. There’s a separate gallery below that just for the cloth diapers.

Check below the galleries for 28 and 29 week fetal development and pregnancy info.

Click each photo for a full view and hover or click for captioned info about each item.

Octopus bath toy, OXO bably blocks baby food storage containers, Gerber Graduates bowls with lids, Nuby bath stacking cups, Munchkin toddler cups - Purchased by Deb Rowell

Infant taggy ball for coordination practice - won on Listia

Octopus hang/spin drying rack for baby clothing and cloth diapers - purchased by Deb Rowell

Evenflo Exersaucer - purchased by Deb Rowell

Nuk bottle and 2 extra nipples (new) - won on Listia

Breastfeeding cover, infant hat, breast pads, and breast cream - won on Listia

Hemp cloth diaper liners for pocket cloth diapers - purchased by Deb Rowell

Aja's "son" Gabe eating with us at Subway

6 pairs of infant mittens, 1 infant tiara, 1 infant headband, and a parenting book - won on Listia

Amazon gift card - purchased by cousin Fran

Nuk bottles, handmade matching hat and two pairs of infant socks - won on Listia

12 breast milk storage bottles, 6 infant hats, and one pocket cloth diaper - won on Listia

4 Nuby bottles, 2 Avent soothie pacifiers, and 4 pairs of infant mittens - purchased on discount by Lyn & Rich

The same package of Nuby bottles from previous photo - we got a deep discount because someone had opened the package in the store and taken 2

This is the replacement toy bar for the free infant swing we got a couple weeks ago - replacement bar purchased by Deb Rowell

This is the replacement toy bar on the free infant swing we got a couple weeks ago - replacement bar purchased by Deb Rowell

Baby on Board magnetic sign for our SUV - won on Listia

Handmade matching crocheted booties and mittens - won on Listia

Homemade Cloth Diapers and liners! I totally made these!

Back side of a cloth diaper liner I made for the pocket cloth diapers

Front of a cloth diaper liner I made for the pocket cloth diapers

An all-in-one cloth diaper I made without the use of any pattern - no liners needed for this type

An all-in-one cloth diaper I made without the use of any pattern - no liners needed for this type

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me. This shows all layers. The top layer is a breathable, easy-wipe fabric, the middle layer is a waterproof material to prevent leaks, the third inner layer is double-quilted and soft (this is the layer that touches baby's skin).

All-in-one cloth diaper in process of being made by me

All images © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved (Violators will be prosecuted; may only be used with permission by Contact Form)

Interesting 28 and 29 Week Fetal Development & Pregnancy Info

At week 28 of pregnancy, you are now 7 months pregnant and into your third trimester! You’re getting closer and your baby is resembling a newborn, finally. By the end of week 29, your baby will weigh around two and a  half pounds and measure at 15-16 inches long, if stretched out! Curled up, he or she is around 10 inches long and you may feel like the baby is going to just burst out since it’s getting cramped in there. Most babies are around 19 inches or so at birth, so your baby’s length won’t multiply as rapidly as the filling out and gaining of weight.

Though Baby seems big now, more weight needs to be put on and much of your weight (and his or hers) will be gained in this final trimester. This is the time to really pay close attention to your nutrition. Folic acid, Vitamin C, and Calcium are extremely important right now, as your baby grows rapidly these next few months. These are the nutrients essential to this happening successfully. Though, all of your prenatal vitamins are important. Be sure to take the vitamins and supplements recommended by your doctor, as well as pay attention to what you are eating.

Week 29 is when your baby’s movements get even stronger, as the room available to move around lessens. You’ll be feeling some stronger butterfly fluttering, which is your baby hiccuping to practice breathing. You’ll also feel lots of elbow and knee jabs, since Baby is more cramped. Some of the movements may even make you jump or take your breath away. Have no fear, this is perfectly normal. Speaking of breathtaking movements, you may find that even simple activities cause shortness of breath. Take it easy if you need to. Also, try to avoid lying on your back, as this can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It may also be difficult to get back up when in this position.

Brain growth for your baby is at all-time-high right now. It develops very quickly at this time, developing billions of neurons. Your baby can also regulate body temperature, thanks to that brain. Your baby’s skeleton is forming nicely and receives about 200 mg of calcium per day. This is why calcium is so important at this stage. It also may help relieve pregnancy leg cramps.

Speaking of legs, in addition to leg cramps, you also may notice Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) specific to pregnancy, due to lowered circulation. Massages, warm baths, or a heating pad might help. Also, try cutting out caffeine, staying active (if you’re not on bed rest), and stretching your calf muscles.

At 29 weeks, your baby is likely upside down and prepared for birth already. However, if your baby is in another position, such as bottom down (or breech), not to worry just yet. There is still time to turn in preparation for delivery. You’ll likely know when your baby “drops” as he or she will be lower in your abdomen area, with the head in the pelvic area and ready for birth. This can be somewhat uncomfortable (or even painful) for some people.

During the third trimester, you should be counting your baby’s kick movements. Most doctors recommend being sure that the baby moves at least ten times every couple hours. Fewer than ten movements within that time period should signal a call to the doctor. It’s usually nothing, but can also be an early sign that things to be checked out. Your doctor will let you know what you should do. All movements count as “kicks”, including hiccup flutters, rolls, and jabs. As long as you feel something going on at least ten times every 2 hours, that’s a good sign.

Some of the other “fun” things that may go on for you at 28 or 29 weeks include constipation, hemorrhoids, migraines, heartburn or indigestion, and fast-growing or brittle nails. Pregnancy brain is also very common. If you have pregnancy brain, you may lose concentration, become forgetful, or feel foggy or unaware. This is normal and stressing yourself out about it will only make it worse. Just go with the flow and take it easy when necessary. Your body is working hard to make another human right now!

Stay tuned for our 30 weeks pregnant (and other posts)!

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SOURCES

Personal Experience
BabyCenter
What to Expect
BabyCenter
Similac
Parenting
BabyGaga
Pampers